SIBU: Hard work and team spirit paid off for Sabah dance group GunJilla, which was adjudged as the ‘Talent Star of The Year’ at the 6th edition of the Borneo Talent Awards (BTA) in Sibu Town Square on Saturday night.

The Sabahans made their home state proud when they outshone 17 other strong contenders in the high-octane event, with each finalist bringing their own unique presentations to awe both the judges and the audience.

As the champion, GunJilla was presented with a mock cheque for RM5,000 and a trophy.

GunJilla spokesperson Nur Farahdillah Sarimin said they never expected to win as the event was very competitive.

“Thanks to Allah the Almighty – all of our hard work and teamwork finally paid off.

“Tonight’s victory will further instil motivation and courage in us to do even better in line with our group’s vision to uphold and promote the unique culture of Sabah, especially in the dance performance industry,” she added.

Nur Farahdillah said the group would want to use the prize money for their upcoming activities and also to purchase new dance costumes.

“We also would like to express our big thank you to the organiser Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) under its chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King for coming up with such a prestigious event like BTA that provides us and all the other contestants a platform to express our talents,” she added.

GunJilla has 22 members consisting of students from SMK Kolombong, Maktab Sabah and SM All Saints.

Besides winning the ‘Talent Star of The Year’ award, GunJilla also claimed the ‘Most Popular Talent’ award.

Meanwhile, the ‘Most Entertaining Talent’ award went by Jeffery Ling Li Chen of Miri, while Yeo Zhuang Herh of Kuching danced all the way to the top and was presented with the ‘Most Creative Talent’ award for his feat.

The winners of the ‘Most Creative Talent’, ‘Most Popular Talent’ and ‘Most Entertaining Talent’ each received RM1,000 and a trophy.